CSE 101 Principles of Computing - Chapter 1: Computers and Operating Systems

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Questions and Answers

What are the main parts of a computer?

Input devices, output devices, CPU and memory, motherboard, expansion cards, and hard drive ports and connections

Define an operating system and its role.

An operating system is a software that manages computer hardware and provides services for computer programs. Its role is to act as an intermediary between the computer hardware and the user, ensuring that the hardware functions properly and facilitating the execution of software applications.

What is meant by data?

Data refers to the raw facts and figures that are processed to produce information. It can be in the form of text, numbers, images, audio, or video.

Define the term network and identify the benefits of networking.

A network is a collection of computers and other hardware components interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information. The benefits of networking include resource sharing, communication, collaboration, and cost reduction. Signup and view all the answers

What are the goals of the chapter as stated in the text?

The goals of the chapter include describing the importance of computers in today’s world, identifying the main parts of a computer, defining an operating system and its role, defining the term program, explaining what is meant by data, defining the term network, identifying the benefits of networking, and exercising common Unix commands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a computer case?

Provides protection and support for internal components Signup and view all the answers

What does the power supply do in a computer?

Converts AC power from the wall socket into DC Signup and view all the answers

What is voltage in terms of electricity?

A measure of the force required to push electrons through a circuit Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the motherboard?

Contains the buses, or electrical pathways found in a computer Signup and view all the answers

What is the CPU also known as?

The brain of the computer Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM?

PROM is non-erasable, EPROM is erasable with UV light, and EEPROM is electrically erasable and re-writable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum length of a serial cable?

50 feet (15.2 m) Signup and view all the answers

What is the IEEE 1284 standard used for in parallel ports?

It is used for transmitting 8 bits of data at one time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum transmission speed of Gigabit Ethernet?

1000 Mbps Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of an operating system?

It is a software that makes a computer work and provides various services such as storage management and user interfaces. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major brands of Central Processing Units (CPUs)?

Intel and AMD Signup and view all the answers

Explain the function of a heat sink in a computer system.

Draws heat away from the core of the CPU Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a case fan in a computer system?

Makes the cooling process more efficient Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) in a computer system.

RAM is main memory for temporarily storing commands and data, while ROM retains its contents even after the computer is turned off. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of Read-only Memory (ROM) chips?

Cannot be erased or re-written Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Parts of a Computer

Components include the central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, memory, storage, power supply, and input/output devices.

Operating System

Acts as the intermediary between users and computer hardware.
Manages hardware resources and provides a user interface.

Data

Refers to information processed or stored by a computer.
Can be in various forms such as text, numbers, or multimedia.

Network

A network connects multiple computers for data exchange and communication.
Benefits include resource sharing, increased collaboration, and improved data management.

Chapter Goals

Establish foundational understanding of computer components and their functions.
Illustrate how different parts work together within a computer system.

Computer Case

Houses and protects internal components from external elements.
Aids in organizing structure and improving airflow.

Power Supply

Converts electrical power from an outlet into usable power for the computer.
Supplies voltage at various levels to different components.

Voltage

Refers to the electric potential difference between two points.
Essential for powering electronic devices and facilitating current flow.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that connects all components of a computer.
Houses the CPU, RAM, and connectors for other peripherals.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Often referred to as the "brain" of the computer, executing instructions and processing data.

PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM

PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile, can be programmed once.
EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory): Can be erased and reprogrammed using UV light.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory): Can be erased and reprogrammed electrically.

Serial Cable Length

Maximum length for a serial cable is typically 15 meters (49 feet) without signal degradation.

IEEE 1284 Standard

Used for parallel ports to allow bidirectional communication between computers and printers.

Gigabit Ethernet

Maximum transmission speed is 1 Gbps (Gigabit per second), significantly enhancing network performance.

Function of Operating System

Coordinates hardware and software resources, providing essential services for applications.

Major CPU Brands

Intel and AMD are the two major brands dominating the CPU market.

Heat Sink Function

Dissipates heat generated by the CPU and other components, preventing overheating.

Case Fan Function

Circulates air within the computer case to maintain optimal temperature and prevent overheating.

RAM vs. ROM

RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for data currently being used, volatile in nature.
ROM (Read Only Memory): Permanent storage that retains information even when powered off.

Key Characteristic of ROM

Non-volatile memory, the contents remain unchanged unless reprogrammed, typically used for firmware.

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Description

Test your knowledge of computers, parts of computers, data networking, operating systems, accounts, command prompt, DOS, Unix commands, and the role of the shell. This quiz covers the basic concepts and components of computing as per the Mekelle Institute of Technology's CSE 101 course in 2017.